So at the hour of sunset he sent for me, bidding me walk with him in the gardens.

I went thither, followed by my musicians and attendants, who would never leave me in peace, but he commanded that all should stand aside, as he wished to speak with me alone.

Then he began to walk beneath the mighty cedar trees, and I with him, but keeping one pace behind.
'Teule,' he said at length, 'tell me of your countrymen, and why they have come to these shores.

See that you speak truth.' 'They are no countrymen of mine, O Montezuma,' I answered, 'though my mother was one of them.' 'Did I not bid you speak the truth, Teule?
If your mother was one of them, must you not also be of them; for are you not of your mother's bone and blood ?' 'As the king pleases,' I answered bowing.

Then I began and told him of the Spaniards--of their country, their greatness, their cruelty and their greed of gold, and he listened eagerly, though I think that he believed little of what I said, for his fear had made him very suspicious.